Obama expects future German role in Libya

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he expects Germany to play a major role in Libya after longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi leaves power — a step Obama says is inevitable.

Speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Obama says there will be much work to do in helping the Libyan people and the country's economy. He says he and Merkel discussed how Germany could contribute to those efforts during their meetings Tuesday.

Germany has thus far stayed out of the NATO-led bombing campaign in Libya. The U.S. first took the lead when operations began in March, but have since handed over control to NATO allies, including France and Britain.

Obama says he and Merkel both believe Gadhafi must step down and that his removal from power is inevitable.